A month out: Old hospital renovation mostly complete
Mar. 6—There's good news and bad news for those wondering about the 54 income-based apartment units being built in the former Haywood County Hospital on North Main Street in Waynesville.
The good news is that a certificate of occupancy has been issued for the renovated historic building — the first public hospital in North Carolina built in 1927. The bad news is, there is still "punch list" work to be done.
"Even though we could open and start taking income now, it's just not ready," said John Stiltner, the director of development and construction with the Winston-Salem-based Landmark Asset Services. "We have delayed move ins due to construction activities still happening in the building."
He anticipated a move-in date in late March or early April. Stiltner said those who knew the building when it was a hospital will still be able to recognize places like the corridors that have an institutional feel, or even the operating room or old nursery.
After all, that's the purpose of a historic renovation. Once the door is opened to an apartment, though, it will have all the comforts of home implemented through the design process.
"If you picked up a newborn child there, you will know where that is at," Stiltner said. "The operating room is still there with its existing flooring, minus the bright lights. The cabinetry and buildings are still there. In the corridors, you will think institution and hospital. When you walk into your apartment, you'll know this is home."
Locally, Mountain Projects has applications for the apartments at 2177 Asheville Road, Waynesville. Call 452-1447 for more information.
Delays
Renovation work began in late 2020, and the project was originally to be done on a year but the COVID and theft have delayed progress.
"If you told me about COVID two years ago, I'd have said you're crazy, but it's really been impactful — manpower, deliveries, supplies, everything you see in the news," Stiltner said. "A six-week lead time turned in to six months. If you want to buy 54 white refrigerators, good luck."
On top of that, Stiltner said some kid with a BB gun keeps shooting out windows out and there have been several break-ins where thieves have taken cooper and equipment.
About 12 windows needed to be replaced. In addition to the delays, the project has been plagued by a sharp rises in cost, something was wasn't predicted, or accounted for in the contract price.
Stiltner said he would be embarrassed to disclose the amount, but said it was significant. When the picnic shelter was priced two years ago, for instance, the cost was $12,000. The actual cost after COVID hit was $42,000, he said.
In 2019, the county landed a highly competitive tax credit grant that provided $6.9 million to a developer over a 10-year period to complete the renovation.
The county sold the hospital property to Landmark for $225,000, an action that saved the county about $100,000 annually on the shuttered building's upkeep.
Stiltner, who has a heart for historic buildings, is delighted with the outcome.
"The restoration of this Haywood hospital that sits in gateway to Waynesville is a wonderful home for seniors, small families and single parents," Stiltner said. "It could have been torn down and town houses could have been built. It's been revitalized to serve a different purpose for the community and residents. It's why we do what we do."
He said the company hopes to hold an open house so the community can see the changes, but much depends on COVID guidelines and what's happening at the time.
